California Governor Gavin Newsom suggested during a recent interview that President Donald Trump might deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to polling places in an effort to discourage voter participation.
Newsom made the claim in a conversation with technology journalist Kara Swisher, alleging without evidence that Trump would attempt to “wire” elections for decades to come.
“We have to recognize that there are no limits with this guy. If he could rig next year’s election … I mean, we joke about not having another [election], I don’t think that’s a joke. He will wire this for the next 20 to 30 years. If it’s a JD … it doesn’t even matter,” Newsom said.
“He will wire it.”
The governor further claimed, “He’s already sending out masked people to intimidate folks.”
Newsom has previously raised alarms that Trump could seek a third term, referencing internet trolls who have mocked him with messages suggesting as much.
His latest remarks came as new research reignited debate about the potential for illegal voting in U.S. elections.
A 2024 study conducted by the policy group Just Facts examined voter registration rates among non-citizens and concluded that the number of illegal registrations may be substantial.
The study found that between 10 percent and 27 percent of non-citizen adults in the United States are registered to vote illegally.
According to U.S. Census data, more than 19 million adult non-citizens were living in the country in 2022.
Based on the registration rates identified in the study, this translates to approximately two million to five million non-citizens who may be on voter rolls.
“These figures are potentially high enough to overturn the will of the American people in major elections, including congressional seats and the presidency,” the study noted.
The report also acknowledged that the scale of the problem could be larger, as estimates of the total number of illegal aliens in the U.S. vary.
While the Census Bureau recorded 19 million adult non-citizens in 2022, other estimates suggest the number of illegal immigrants currently in the country exceeds 30 million, more than 50 percent higher than the official figure.
The combination of state laws granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants and automatic voter registration tied to those licenses has fueled concerns that the problem could grow.
Critics argue that such policies make it easier for non-citizens to be added to voter rolls, whether intentionally or inadvertently.
The debate over illegal voting has been ongoing for years, with political leaders sharply divided on the scope of the issue.
While Democratic officials have often dismissed claims of widespread illegal voting, the findings of the Just Facts study are likely to intensify calls for stronger safeguards in the election system.
Newsom’s warning about potential ICE deployments at polling stations adds a new dimension to the debate, even as his comments drew criticism for being speculative.
President Trump has not announced plans to station federal immigration officers at polling sites, though he has frequently emphasized election integrity as a top priority of his administration.
With the 2026 midterms approaching, both the claims by Newsom and the data from the Just Facts study are expected to remain at the center of the national discussion over voting security and election integrity.
